Pleasant Hill: Police looking for iPhone thief

PLEASANT HILL -- Police are telling residents that it is time to hang up the phone.

Over the past few months, police have dealt with a rash of iPhone thefts, including two this week.

Police say victims report that in some cases, the suspect approaches them from behind and snatches their phone while they are distracted. In others, the suspect has asked the victim to use their phone and then run off with it.

The thefts are occurring primarily in the northern part of the city near Contra Costa Boulevard from Taylor Boulevard to Second Avenue South, police said.

The suspect is described as a black man, 25 to 30 years old, with closely shaven hair and a muscular build. He wore a heavy jacket, scarf and beanie cap. He also was riding a mountain bike with no kickstand.

Pleasant Hill police are urging residents to be cautious with their cell phones.

Police said if someone requests to use your phone, ask if it is an emergency and then make the call yourself on their behalf.

Anyone with information on these thefts is urged to call Pleasant Hill police at 925-288-4630 or 925-288-4600.